While we are just officially starting the new Council year, December was a busy month, with end of year functions, followed by January, where events and community organisations began to meet for the year ahead.

Some of these events include:

• The Croydon Stroke Support Group End of Year Luncheon on the 17th of December. The group, which meets on a weekly basis holds a range of activities for people with stroke and their carers. One of the group’s new initiatives is a choir , where people with aphasia, a stroke where they can sing but not speak, will be able to participate. This choir, aptly named Stroke a Chord will be beginning this year.
• On the 21st of January I launched the exhibitions, Studio 4 Exposed and Glass, at the Maroondah Art Gallery. This exhibition showcases the talents of local artists, with Studio 4 Exposed featuring the works of the Maroondah Life Drawing Group and Glass, showcasing the talents of a local artist Emma Borland. The two exhibitions are on display until the 27th of February and I recommend that our community visit the Maroondah Art Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate to see these works firsthand.
• On the 26th of January I had the pleasure of officiating the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, providing an opportunity to recognise the dedication of members of our community. It was wonderful to see the strong number of nominees, across each of the categories, Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. The diversity of entries demonstrates the strong sense of community that we have in Maroondah.
• On the 29th of January and through to the 31st I attended the VLGA’s Essential Mayors Weekend. A conference held for mayors across Victoria. A range of speakers were invited to the conference, including both the Minister for Local Government and the Shadow Minister for Local Government. The conference was useful both in terms of the information provided, as well as meeting other mayors from across Victoria.
• Lastly on the 11th of February I attended a roundtable convened by the State Government on the Conflict of Interest Provisions for Local Government. Council’s submission is listed on tonight’s agenda but I would like to state that the sector spoke about the need for clarity in the provisions and to ensure that Councillors are able to remain involved within their local community.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.